Credit Mike Hume
Special Delivery from the Gorbals: The Citz Is BACK, Baby!
Hold on to your hats, darlings – after seven years of dust, scaffolding, and “ooh, I wonder what’s going on behind those hoardings,” Glasgow’s beloved Citizens Theatre is finally throwing open its doors again – and your friendly theatre postie Grace is absolutely here for it!
Circle the date in glitter pen: Saturday 23 August 2025. That’s when the curtain rises on Homecoming Festival – a month-long celebration of stories, song, soul, and maybe a sausage roll or two (I’m guessing). The Citz team aren’t just reopening a theatre – they’re relaunching a home for Glasgow’s heart and heritage.
Let’s start with the parade, shall we?
Kicking things off at 12.30pm from The Barn is a full-on community procession with local residents marching straight to the shiny new doors of the Citizens Theatre. But this ain’t your usual slow plod – oh no, leading the way are two giant puppets, darlings: Comedy and Tragedy themselves, Melpomene and Thalia, straight from the roof and into the streets. They’ve been evicted by renovation for long enough – and they’re ready to strut. Expect music, joy, neighbours waving from balconies, and performances popping up like daffodils in spring.
And that’s just the opening number.
Open House Weekend (23–24 August) swings the doors open for everyone – whether you’re a seasoned theatregoer or you still call the interval “half-time.” Free tours, creative workshops, pop-up performances, a chance to sneak onto the stage and shout “I HAVE ARRIVED!” – whatever floats your theatrical boat.
From 28 August to 5 September, things get a little more behind-the-scenes with bookable First Look tours, tasters, and hands-on happenings for those who like their theatre with a side of curiosity.
But don’t think they’re stopping at tours and tambourines.
From 12 September, the main stage lights up with Small Acts of Love – a brand new play by Frances Poet with music from Deacon Blue’s own Ricky Ross (yes, that one). It’s got heart, it’s got history, and it’s got a live roots band. Based on real-life friendships that formed after the Lockerbie tragedy, this one promises to stir the soul.
Then October brings double the joy:
- Close, from the Citizens Theatre Young Co, opens on 8 October
- Making Your Mark, by the Citz Community Collective, takes the stage from 22 October
Brand new Studio Theatre, anyone? Oh go on then!
But how did we get here?
Seven years ago, the Citz handed over its keys and took a deep breath. Since then, a full-blown transformation has taken place. They’ve restored the glorious Victorian auditorium, added a swish new building around it (hello, access for all!), and included rehearsal rooms, community spaces and a gleaming new 150-seat Studio Theatre. Basically, it’s now fit for the 21st century but still full of the Citz’s soul.
Executive Director Kate Denby calls it “a celebration of creativity, community, and connection” – and my stamp bag agrees. Catrin Evans, Participate Director, says it’s “about welcoming new voices and giving everyone a space to belong.” (Honestly, she sounds like she’d make a great postwoman.)
And let’s not forget the army of funders and supporters – from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and all the wonderful folks who chipped in a fiver and a flapjack. You did that. You literally helped reopen a theatre.
Oh – and just between us? Word on the wings is that a few of the Citizens Theatre’s lovely new ushers might just be former members of the ol’ Secret Stage Network (you know the one – whispers in foyers, tip-offs at the interval, programme notes swapped like playing cards). So don’t be surprised if yours truly gets wind of a bit of backstage buzz before the final curtain falls. If there’s a whisper of a scandal or a standing ovation worth shouting about, you’ll hear it first in my satchel.
Fancy getting involved?
Well, I’d start by popping over to citz.co.uk/whats-on/homecoming-festival where you can book activities, grab your Open House invite, and get the lowdown on what’s coming up.
Because whether you’re a regular in the stalls, a teenager with a dream, or someone who just wants to see what all the fuss is about – the Citz is back, and it’s got room for you.
See you at the theatre, pet. I’ll be the one delivering flowers to the box office.
Love always,
Grace x
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